A jammed finger is a type of sprain injury that occurs at the interphalangeal joints of the fingers, also known as the knuckles. It is a consequence of an abrupt and forceful impact occurring at the ends of the fingers that is often incurred while playing sports. Common in sports like basketball and football during actions like catching a ball or making contact with another player, a jammed finger is a joint injury in which the impact slams the adjoining bones in the joint against each other, damaging the joint capsule and the surrounding ligaments. The result is pain, swelling, and bruising at the knuckle as well as difficulty in bending the joint, though these symptoms usually diminish within weeks with the application of the RICE method — rest, icing, compression, and elevation.

Each finger is made up of two interphalangeal joints, or joints between the three phalanx bones of the fingers, while the thumb has only one. A jammed finger can also be sustained at the metacarpophalangeal joint, which is the large knuckle where the phalanx bone meets the metacarpal bone of the hand. All are synovial or movable joints, which feature a membrane-enclosed joint capsule between the two bones. Within this capsule are cartilaginous disks that cushion the bones against one another, as well as synovial fluid to lubricate the joint against bone-on-bone friction. When a finger is jammed, the joint capsule is severely compressed, which damages and inflames the tissues within.

To either side and on the palm side of each joint are ligaments holding the bones together. Those running between the bones on either side are known as collateral ligaments, while the thick ligament linking the bones on the palm side of the hand is known as the volar ligament. When one sustains a jammed finger, these ligaments are sprained, which occurs much like a whiplash injury in which a rear-ended driver’s head is thrown forward and then back. Quickly compressed and then hyperextended, the ligaments become painfully inflamed. Swelling and bruising may occur as fluid and blood rush to the joint to protect and heal the injury.

After sustaining a jammed finger, immediate treatment is recommended. Ice should be applied to the injury site, and NSAID pain relievers may be taken, both of which will address the inflammatory pain and swelling. The joint should be rested and in more severe cases immobilized with a splint. If the injury is minor, it is recommended to try gently moving the joint within a few days. If it appears severe, however, it may be advisable to obtain an X-ray to determine whether a fracture has occurred.

Discuss this Article

ddljohnPost 4

@turquoise-- You need to see your doctor. I'm not a doctor so all I can tell you is my opinion.

The symptoms of a broken and a jammed finger may be similar, but the broken finger will be more serious. You will have a lot of pain and swelling if it's broken. You won't be able to move your finger. With a jammed finger, it will still hurt a little bit but you can move your finger and it won't be as swollen as a broken finger.

But if it's not getting better, and if you still have finger pain, you need to see your doctor. They will take an x-ray and tell you what you need to do.

turquoisePost 3

What's the difference between a jammed finger and a broken finger? Can the symptoms be the same?

Is it okay to continue playing basketball if I take a pain reliever? My jammed finger still hurts after two weeks but I want to go back to basketball practice.

fBoylePost 2

I had a mild case of a jammed finger two weeks ago. It was painful and slightly inflamed but I didn't think it was serious enough to see a doctor. I just applied some ice on it at home and then put a finger splint on. I had a finger splint from a previous injury. For the pain, I applied a topical analgesic cream.

I kept the splint on for about a week and that was enough for it to heal. Like I said, it was a minor case.

Post your comments

Please enter the code:

Login

Register

Make changes/additions/deletions to the article below, and one of our editors will publish your suggestions if warranted.

Optional: Explanation of your recommended changes

Thank You!

One of our editors will review your suggestion and make changes if warranted.
Note that depending on the number of suggestions we receive,
this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Thank you for helping to improve wiseGEEK!